The 2nd Peristeri Health Center visited by Rena Dourou, who was given a tour of the Outpatient Clinics and Laboratories, as well as the Vaccination Center. The head of “Power of Life” They were accompanied by Christos Polychroniu, doctor at the Center, member of the Prefectural Health Committee, Deputy Coordinator of Primary Health Care for SYRIZA-PS, Kostas Vlachos, doctor, former regional councilor, and Spilios Bithas, member of the SYRIZA-PS Prefectural Health Coordination Committee.
This was followed by a meeting with employee representatives, during which the following issues were raised: major problem of understaffing and lack of specialists (ophthalmologist, urologist, gastroenterologist, endocrinologist, etc.). At the same time, all the issues arising from the government's decision to turn public hospitals into a single entity were raised. For their part, employees referred to a number of critical problems. Specifically, the lack of recruitment, which undermines the operation of the health center that serves the needs of western Athens, the lack of reagents, and the dysfunctional cooperation with the central laboratory of the 2nd Regional Health Authority. Employees also pointed out the discontinuation, two years ago, of programs for prevention, family planning, painless childbirth, and home visits to new mothers. Beyond the need to restart these programs, employees emphasized the critical importance for the health structures of Western Athens of the reopening of First Aid Station which operated daily with five specialists (internist, cardiologist, pediatrician, surgeon, and dentist), meeting the needs of citizens.
«The government and regional authorities are systematically neglecting primary healthcare., systematically choosing communication over substance. However, healthcare professionals and citizens suffer the consequences of these choices on a daily basis. The problems described to us by the employees of the Health Center here in Peristeri during our meeting are indicative. Understaffing, infrastructure deficiencies, abandonment of primary health care structures. And unfortunately, the worst is yet to come with the government's plans for the new National Health System, which will mean the dismantling of the public health sector for the benefit of private interests,» noted Rena Dourou.
The Life Force has been fighting hard to support the public health system. In particular, it supported Primary Health Care in the Attica Region by securing €50 million for recruitment in 54 Local Health Units (TOMY) in Attica, which were established by the SYRIZA government.
